ObjectiveTo investigate influence factor of long-term survival of primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma. MethodThe clinical data of 37 patients with primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma from January 1990 to November 2010 in this hospital were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsThe cumulative survival rates of 1-, 2-, 3and 5-year after the initial surgery were 70.3%, 51.4%, 27.0%, and 10.8% respectively. The survival time of 37 patients was 26 months. The results of univariate analysis showed that the TNM stage, T stage, preoperative intestinal obstruction or not, operation mode, and postoperative chemotherapy or not were associated with the survival time of primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (P < 0.05). The results of multivariable analysis showed that TNM stage, T stage, and preoperative intestinal obstruction or not were the independent factors for the prognosis of patients with primary colorectal signetring cell carcinoma. ConclusionsThe survival rate of patients with primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma is lower. TNM stage, T stage, and preoperative intestinal obstruction or not are independent factors of it. Chemotherapy after operation could prolong survival time of patients with primary colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma.